THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

RYAN: I was a little wary about “The Day The Earth Stood Still” for two reasons: 1) Keanu and 2) Reeves.

CAROLINE: I know he’s not your favorite, but you do love a sci-fi movie. Unlike me, who couldn’t be bothered to see this one.

RYAN: I indeed love sci-fi, and this one is an update of the classic 1951 movie. And update is the operative word. In fact, it’s practically a love letter to Al Gore.

CAROLINE: [laughs’ Really? How’s that?

RYAN: It’s all about environmentalism and being green. Basically, Keanu plays an alien who comes to earth to say, “You humans are destroying the earth so we’re going to destroy you in order to save it.”

CAROLINE: How relevant to today’s hyper-eco-friendly world.

RYAN: It’s a bit of a wake up call; many would argue that we are indeed killing the planet slowly. In the film, Jennifer Connelly is so good that you remember why she’s an Oscar winner. And she is so degorgeous, I’m gonna go ahead and say she’s hotter than Angelina Jolie.

CAROLINE: She is very pretty but that’s a blasphemous statement to make in Hollywood.

RYAN: We’re in New York. As for Kathy Bates – she’s in a role here that’s as good as anything she’s ever done. Easily equal to her best screen performance.

CAROLINE: I highly doubt it’s better than “Misery.”

RYAN: No, really. She’s as good in this film. Incredible.

CAROLINE: Is anyone else recognizable in it?

RYAN: John Cleese and Jon Hamm.

CAROLINE: OMG is Jon Hamm as gorgeous as he is on TV’s “Mad Men”?

RYAN: Yes and yes.

CAROLINE: I only asked one question.

RYAN: Well he’s doubly gorge and he plays a decent guy, which is sexy. The effects, meanwhile, are incredible; some truly original visuals. I was almost scared at times. You actually feel like the film is coming out to get you in parts it’s so real.

CAROLINE: How’s the length?

RYAN: I never felt like it was too long. It’s such an epic film in scope, so it’s pretty tight at about an hour and forty minutes.

CAROLINE: And how was Will Smith’s son Jaden?

RYAN: Mini-me-Smith was actually not a complete loss. He does the family Smith proud.

— BOTTOM LINE —

RYAN: Die-hard enthusiasts of the 1951 original might be a bit thrown here since it’s been re-imagined in such a contemporary way. I’d argue, though, that for an impact on today’s audience, the update is warranted. It turned out very well in a stylized, slick film with dazzling special effects, crafty performances and moral that just tugs at your heart. It’s a must-see on the big screen.

— RATING —